Accessible packaging: what is it, and why does it matter?

If your business ships any products or orders to customers, it is essential that your packaging is both inclusive and accessible.

But what is accessible packaging?

Accessible packaging is easy for everyone to open and use, regardless of physical abilities. It can incorporate intuitive opening mechanisms, improved visibility of information, and tactile features for those with visual impairments. It is also commonly referred to as inclusive packaging, being inclusive for all users.

Additionally, inclusive packaging also takes sustainability into account to minimise waste.

Ultimately, it prioritises inclusivity and empowers consumers to independently access products, enhancing the overall experience.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Why accessible packaging is essential.
• The benefits of inclusive packaging.
• Considerations when designing packaging.
• Identify typical and useful features.

When many businesses assess and evaluate the unboxing experience their packaging offers, they often focus on aspects like branding and sustainability. However, a crucial aspect frequently goes overlooked – the features that make packaging accessible and inclusive.

Packaging should facilitate easy opening and usage for everyone. It’s also referred to as inclusive packaging because it accommodates the needs of all individuals.

Accessible packaging should, therefore, include features such as user-friendly opening mechanisms and features that enhance visibility and tactility.

Both businesses and consumers benefit from inclusivity, and the advantages of committing to accessible packaging can be surprisingly significant.

For example, designing packaging to be inclusive enhances practical handling and use, making it easier for everyone regardless of ability. Ease of use fosters positive consumer interactions and diminishes negative associations with a product or brand.

Accessible information aids consumers in making informed decisions and is particularly crucial for food packaging and safe consumption.

From a business standpoint, embracing accessible packaging expands the reach to wider audiences. With millions of differently abled individuals and an ageing population, inclusive packaging can influence their spending choices and future brand loyalty.

The five principles when creating accessible packaging are:

• Packaging should offer the same ease of use for all users, regardless of their abilities, ensuring equitable access to the product.
• Inclusive packaging should be adaptable to a range of preferences, accommodating different abilities and needs.
• Packaging must be straightforward and easy to understand, catering to users of varying experience levels, knowledge, and skills.
• Clear communication of key brand or product information is essential, maximising visibility and ensuring the packaging is easily readable.
• The packaging design should appeal to all potential audience members, considering factors such as colour accessibility and contrast, to make it attractive and appealing to a diverse range of consumers.
• Working with a reputable packaging designer/manufacturer can help you achieve these five elements in your packaging.

Whether it’s tear strips, minimal use of tapes and fixtures, or even pop-open designs, opening mechanisms should be user-friendly and easy to use, even with one hand.

However, child-resistant packaging, for instance, prevents accidental ingestion of harmful substances, offering peace of mind to caregivers and parents. Similarly, packaging that protects against tampering ensures product integrity and consumer safety.

Opting for high-contrast colours enhances visibility, particularly for individuals with visual impairments.

Choosing colours that maximise legibility and appropriately sized and styled fonts is crucial for accessibility.

Braille or tactile symbols facilitate navigation for individuals with reduced or no sight.

A good example, although not specific to packaging, includes the Microsoft Surface Adaptive Kit, which helps users identify critical keys, ports, and cables.

Tactile surfaces can also improve grip, enhancing accessibility.